Missouri (below Holter) Fishing Forecast
Large tailwater fishery
Open year-round (check section regs)
Central District - rivers generally open year-round. Blue-ribbon below Holter Dam
Today's Fishing Conditions
Fair
Updated 3:50 PM
41°F
--
11 PM - 1 AM
WD-40
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Quick Facts
Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout
tailwater
36°F - 46°F
March Fishing Tactics
Primary Targets
Recommended Tactics
Spring transition begins. BWOs emerge on overcast afternoons.
March Hatches
Skwala
Stonefly
Early season stonefly, hatches on warm afternoons
BWO
Mayfly
Blue Wing Olives hatch on overcast days, spring and fall
Midge
Midge
Year-round in tailwaters, winter staple
Scud
Crustacean
Year-round tailwater food source
Year-Round Fishing Guide
| Month | Water Temp | Tactics |
|---|---|---|
| January | 32-38°F | Nymphing, Midges, Small Streamers |
| February | 32-40°F | Nymphing, Midges, Small Streamers |
| March(Now) | 36-46°F | Dry Flies, BWOs, Skwala |
| April | 42-52°F | Dry Flies, BWOs, Skwala |
| May | 48-58°F | Dry Flies, BWOs, Skwala |
| June | 54-64°F | Hoppers, Terrestrials, PMDs |
| July | 58-68°F | Hoppers, Terrestrials, PMDs |
| August | 60-70°F | Hoppers, Terrestrials, PMDs |
| September | 54-64°F | Streamers, BWOs, October Caddis |
| October | 46-56°F | Streamers, BWOs, October Caddis |
| November | 38-46°F | Streamers, BWOs, October Caddis |
| December | 32-40°F | Nymphing, Midges, Small Streamers |
Spawning Seasons
Please respect spawning fish and their redds. Avoid fishing over actively spawning trout.
Brown Trout
Spawn months: October, November
Night spawning common. Males become very dark with pronounced kype during spawn.
Rainbow Trout
Spawn months: March, April
Resident rainbow trout spawn in smaller tributaries and tend to build smaller redds than steelhead.
Access Points & Parking for Missouri (below Holter)
Holter Dam
Immediately below the dam. Technical fishing with large fish.
Craig Bridge
Popular access in the heart of the famous section.
Mountain Palace
Excellent wade and float access.
Cascade
Lower river access with good wading.
How to Fish Missouri (below Holter): Tips & Tactics
The Missouri is a technical tailwater demanding precise presentations. Match the hatch exactly and fish light tippet (5X-6X). The sow bug and scud patterns produce year-round.
Best Times of Day
Morning hours offer consistent fishing. During summer, focus on early morning Trico spinner falls and evening caddis activity. Midday fishing can be excellent during winter with midge hatches.
Recommended Techniques
During Trico hatches, fish the spinner fall. The river fishes best from a drift boat allowing access to prime lies. For wade fishing, focus on the edges and back eddies.
Water Conditions
Stable flows from the dam create consistent fishing. Water temperatures remain cold year-round due to dam releases. Optimal fishing occurs between 4,000-8,000 CFS.
Fly Selection
Sow bugs and scuds are the bread and butter patterns. RS2 and Lightning Bug nymphs work year-round. Match the prolific mayfly hatches when active.
Local Knowledge
Craig is the center of Missouri River fishing culture. Book guides well in advance for peak seasons. The river can handle pressure but respect other anglers.
Local Tips
This is match-the-hatch fishing at its finest. The town of Craig revolves around trout fishing with multiple outfitters and lodges.
When is the Best Time to Fish Missouri (below Holter)?
Spring
March-May offers excellent fishing. Midges transition to BWOs and Caddis.
Summer
PMDs and Tricos dominate. Technical dry fly fishing at its best.
Fall
Fewer crowds, aggressive fish, and cooling weather make fall exceptional.
Winter
Year-round fishery. Midge fishing is the primary focus. Fish can be selective.
Recommended Equipment for Missouri (below Holter)
Rod
9-foot, 5-weight is standard. Longer rods help with mending.
Line
Floating line for most situations.
Leader & Tippet
12-15 foot leaders common. 5X-6X tippet for technical fish.
Waders
Breathable waders year-round. Water temperatures stay cold from the dam.
Essential Flies
Missouri (below Holter) Fishing Regulations
Season
Open year-round.
Limits
Five trout daily, only one over 22 inches.
Special Regulations
Artificial flies and lures only. No bait fishing allowed.
Bait Restrictions
Prohibited - artificial flies and lures only.
Notes
The Missouri is managed as a quality trout fishery with strict regulations.
Always verify current regulations with Montana fish and wildlife agency before fishing. Regulations can change annually.
Fly Shops & Guides Near Missouri (below Holter)
Local Fly Shops
- Headhunters Fly Shop - Craig
- Montana Fly Goods - Craig
- Missouri River Trout Shop - Craig
Guide Services
- Headhunters Guide Service
- Wolf Creek Angler
- Craig Montana Outfitters
Optimal Fishing Conditions
Optimal Flow
4000 - 8000 CFS
Best fishing conditions
Optimal Water Temperature
45° - 58°F
Ideal for active trout
Other Montana Trout Rivers
Bitterroot
Blackfoot
Yellowstone (inside YNP)
Madison
Big Hole River
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